Comic Review: Snapdragon

If you’re looking for a great story full of magic, nature, and queer love, look no further than “Snapdragon” by Kat Leyh.

Kat Leyh is best known for their work on the web series “Supercakes,” a cover artist for the graphic novel series “Lumberjanes,” as well as an artist and writer for several BOOM! And KaBOOM! Books. “Snapdragon” is a beautifully crafted story following the unlikely friendship between an unusual young girl, Snapdragon, and the local witch, Jacks, who sells skeletons of roadkill online. 

The story begins with the meeting of the protagonist. Snapdragon goes into the woods to get her dog back from the local witch. She suspects the worst, but is greeted by a bandaged dog and a mysterious figure dressed in all black. The witch tries to scare her but Snapdragon sees right through it. She comes back to Jacks after she finds a litter of baby opossums whose mother had passed. From then on Snapdragon learns about how Jacks picks up roadkill, articulates their bones, then sells them online. Snapdragon becomes invested in learning about animal anatomy and becomes Jack’s apprentice.

This novel is full of fantastic characters. Snapdragon is an independent young girl who finds herself through her interest in animal anatomy. She befriends Louis, later known as Lulu, who befriends Snapdragon and slowly discovers themself as a girl. Jacks was once a motorcycle racer who fell in love with Snapdragon’s grandmother, and though their relationship didn’t last, they were able to reconnect in their older age. Snapdragon’s mother Violet is raising her daughter on her own, as well as working and going to school. Through these characters the author explores being an outsider, queer love, and the importance of acceptance and connecting with nature. There are many sweet moments between characters, with dialogue that is both realistic and comforting.

“Snapdragon” is a graphic novel I’d recommend for all ages. It’s a sweet, lighthearted story with cinematic panels, intriguing characters, and countless cute moments. From Snapdragon and Lulu trading clothes that better fit their personalities, to Snapdragon dressing as a possum for halloween, and the flashbacks to when Jacks was with Snapdragons grandmother, the characters in this story are all connected through nature, which ultimately creates a well rounded and sweet ending, emzphasizing the importance of human connection.

Resources

Find “Snapdragon” at your local library! If they don’t have it you can request it for free! 

SCAD Jen library: https://library.scad.edu/ 

Where to buy: 

E Shaver Bookseller, Savannah GA: 

• Paperback: https://www.eshaverbooks.com/book/9781250171115 
• Hardcover: https://www.eshaverbooks.com/book/9781250171122 

Barnes & Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snapdragon-kat-leyh/1130769093

Thrift Books: 

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/snapdragon_kat-leyh/21307167/

Target: 

https://www.target.com/p/snapdragon-by-kat-leyh/-/A-84883323

Kat Leyh

Website: http://katleyh.com/ 

Tumblr: https://katleyh.tumblr.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaymlay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embroideredbone/?hl=en

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The HoneyDripper is the Savannah College of Art and Design’s juried comics and illustration blog, dedicated to publishing, promoting, and showcasing the finest in student work.​